1989 Porsche 911 Club Sport

The 911 Carrera Club Sport (CS) (option M637) was developed as a reduced-weight version of the standard Carrera that was purpose-built by Porsche for club racing. 340 were produced worldwide from August 1987 to September 1989. Of those 340, only 28 are documented as delivered to North America- 21 in 1988 and just 7 in 1989.

Since the 911 had gained so much weight in luxurious amenities over the years, a key component of the Club Sport package was a lengthy list of deletions to return the agility and sharpness to the 911s handling. All power options, sunroof (except one example), air conditioning (except two examples), radio, rear seat, undercoating, sound insulation, rear wiper, door pocket lids, fog lamps, front hood locking mechanism, engine and luggage compartment lights, lockable wheel nuts and even the rear lid “Carrera” logo were deleted in order to save an estimated 70 kg (155 lb) in weight.

The Club Sport package did not consist entirely of deletions, though. Hollow valves in the cylinder heads and modified DME programming to manage the fuel and injection systems allowed the engine to spin to a new redline of 6,840 rpms. Cabriolet engine mounts which used a harder durometer rubber limited the engine’s movement under load. Bilstein Sport shock absorbers and 22/21mm front and rear sway bars kept the Club Sport flat through the corners, and a shortened shift lever reduced the throw between shifts. Lightweight, manual seats which consisted of Sport backs and standard bases were covered in cloth with “Porsche” lettering replaced the heavier leather power seats.

The Club Sport’s outward appearance was fairly restrained, with just a plastic front spoiler and non-Turbo style whale-tail spoiler.  All are identifiable by the “CS Club Sport” decal on the left front fender. Most were delivered in Grand Prix White, but a small percentage of clients took delivery in one of the special colors offered such as this Irish Green example.

In an article published May 28 2003, Autocar compared four 911s- 73 2.7 RS, 88 CS, 993 RS and 996 GT3. By the end of the comparison, Autocar described the CS as “Undoubtedly the most underrated 911 of all, a visceral experience every car nut should sample”. The 911 Club Sports are easily one of the rarest purpose-built 911s ever made, and one of the most sensational to drive.